Miami Beach

The iconic beach destination famous for its Art Deco Historic District with pastel buildings from the 1920s-40s, upscale shopping on Lincoln Road, and vibrant nightlife. South Beach is the epicenter of Miami's party scene and one of America's most recognizable beach areas.

Things to do

• Art Deco Historic District Walking Tour — Explore the pastel-colored buildings and geometric facades of this 20-block neighborhood featuring over 800 Art Deco structures from the 1920s-40s.
• South Beach Swimming and Sunbathing — Wade into the turquoise Atlantic waters of Miami Beach's most famous stretch, lined with lifeguard towers and backed by iconic Art Deco hotels.
• Lincoln Road Shopping and Dining — Stroll this open-air pedestrian mall featuring high-end retailers, restaurants, and galleries with an ocean view at the western end.
• Wynwood Walls Street Art Tour — Visit the adjacent Wynwood neighborhood to see vibrant large-scale murals and graffiti art covering entire building facades.
• Bass Museum of Art — Explore contemporary and modern art exhibitions inside a restored 1930s Art Deco building in the heart of the historic district.
• Vizcaya Museum and Gardens — Tour this Italian Renaissance-style mansion and its formal European gardens, built in 1916 as a winter retreat for a wealthy industrialist.

Food to try

• Stone Crab Claws — A Florida delicacy served chilled with mustard sauce, available seasonally from October to May at beachfront restaurants.
• Cuban Sandwich — Pressed layers of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, a Miami staple reflecting the city's Cuban heritage.
• Fresh Ceviche — Raw fish cured in citrus juice and served with avocado and plantain chips, showcasing Miami's access to Caribbean seafood.
• Ropa Vieja — Slow-cooked shredded beef in a savory tomato sauce, a traditional Cuban dish commonly found in local restaurants throughout Miami Beach.
• Key Lime Pie — The iconic South Florida dessert made with tart Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and graham cracker crust.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Code for Nightlife — South Beach clubs and upscale venues typically enforce strict dress codes—avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, and tank tops; collared shirts and closed shoes are preferred.
• Peak Season Crowds — Winter months (December-February) and spring break bring massive crowds and higher prices; summer offers smaller crowds but intense heat and humidity.
• Spanish Language is Common — Many locals speak Spanish as a first language due to Miami's large Cuban and Latin American population, so learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful.
• Parking Challenges — Street parking is expensive and limited; use paid lots or parking garages, and avoid leaving valuables visible in your car.